Seventeen arrests have been made across Europe, including Belgium, under a large-scale drug investigation targeting an Albanian crime syndicate.
Tuesday’s operation centred on 12 raids in Belgium - in Antwerp, Schoten, and Saint-Nicolas - conducted by the federal judicial police, in coordination with local law enforcers from Antwerp. Additional raids were carried out in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Eleven suspects were apprehended in Belgium. Six others were held abroad and now await potential extradition to Belgium.
Police seize 100 kg of cocaine, firearms, cash
During the searches, investigators seized 100 kilogrammes of drugs (cocaine and amphetamines), firearms, chemical substances, bulletproof vests, and £265,000 in cash.
The local police operation focused on a network of criminals specialised in distributing large quantities of drugs, clandestinely transported in vehicles to various countries.
The case was initiated in Autumn 2023 following the discovery of illegal storage spaces in Antwerp housing empty cocaine and heroin packets alongside production and packaging material. Investigations eventually linked the operations to a group from the Albanian city of Vlorë.
This group allegedly bought large volumes of chemical substances for diluting drugs and offered its services to other criminal organisations.
Cocaine imported from South America then laundered
Two consignments meant for these groups were intercepted in the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The federal investigation focused on an organisation involved in importing cocaine from South America and laundering the proceeds. This traffic also involved people from Vlorë.
This second case began in late 2023 after incriminating evidence was found on a smartphone during a police check. Several other suspects were then identified.
This group was also involved in the armed theft of 395 kilogrammes of marijuana in Brussels in mid-February.
Separate investigations
Members of both groups have allegedly been in contact. However, the two investigations remain separate for now.
The Office of the Public Prosecutor and the police expressed satisfaction following the successful operation.
“This demonstrates our determination to combat criminal organisations and guarantee the safety of our society,” Antwerp prosecutor Franky De Keyzer stated.
“Many of the suspects are repeat offenders, and the leaders even served 10- to 12-year prison sentences for similar offences in France. The organisations are also known for their violent crimes,” he added.
The searches were conducted peacefully, with no incidents reported.
